Coach McKinstry has departed from his role as Head Coach of A-Lyga club FK Kauno Zalgiris (Jan 2018).

The moment has come to announce my departure from the role as Head Coach with Lithuanian A-Lyga club FK Kauno Zalgiris.

Unfortunately the ongoing uncertainty regarding the continuation of Kauno Zalgiris in the A-Lyga for the 2018 season has led to the conclusion, following ongoing discussions between the club and myself, that now is a prudent time for my departure.

When I arrived in Kaunas towards the end of the 2017 season, my primary focus was two-fold: to use my expertise to assist the club to become more competitive on the field of play; and to identify short, medium and long-term actions that would allow the football club to establish itself as a regular force in the A-Lyga.

In the short-time since then we have seen a significant up-turn in performances from both individuals and the team as a whole. Our work to improve the fitness, attitude, performance and dynamic within the first-team squad has enabled the club to secure some previously unexpected results; and helped players to secure selection for international duty.

Off the field we have also mapped out a development pathway for the club as a whole – focusing on talent identification, recruitment, development and the establishment of partnerships with third parties. If implemented, I am confident that this will allow FK Kauno Zalgiris to secure their place at the centre of A-Lyga football in Lithuania and, in time, beyond.

I wish FK Kauno Zalgiris, players and fans all the best for the future.

Interview Requests

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Further information on Coach McKinstry's July 2017 appointment with Kauno Zalgiris can be found at: